I would like to welcome some old and hopefully many new friends. I think you can see that this publication and the association behind it share the same issues and problems that pumpers of all size face in this very difficult time, and in a state that seems to want to drive every business – out of business.

      So who am I, and what do I know about concrete pumps and pumping?

      My name is Hank de Carbonel, and I have been involved with the pumping industry since the early 1970’s when I went to work for the Thomsen dealer in Northern California. By the end of the second week, I was the parts manager, a rapid advancement indeed. It would have made for a great success story except we had no parts! It wasn’t easy but I did learn a few new choice adjectives along with how to apply the ones I already knew thanks to the pumpers.

      From there I went on to be a salesman at an equipment dealer. I was responsible for selling Thomsen boom and trailer pumps. In those early days, you had to sell and train the new owner on what a pump was and how it might operate, on a good day. Later we became the Schwing dealer for all of Northern California and eventually I opened the first Schwing store in America. I sold trailer pumps and boom pumps as well as ready-mix reclaimers and industrial pumps. In that job, I called on pumpers, contractors large and small, and ready-mix producers.

      That pretty much tells my story over 35 years of being a “professional” concrete pump salesman. Much of what I learned and how cannot be told here, but be assured I’m 100% committed to helping the industry and those in it!

      When Schwing decided to open a store, I was tasked with doing it, quickly and right. That was when I came in contact with the many government agencies that are responsible to enforce the rules and regulations that affect our industry. Over the years, I became involved with the DMV, CalTrans, the Contractors Licensing Board, the CHP, plus a host of regional and local agencies, and of course, CARB.

      Over the years, attending these government al type meetings, I always saw someone there who represented the California Dump Truck Owners Association (CDTOA). In fact, the CDTOA has been at the forefront in exposing the fraud, deceit and outright lies that have now become the standard way of doing business at the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CDTOA’s Betty Plowman has been a very active participant in the CARB Board meetings, as well as most committees and subgroups within CARB. In short, they are fighting for all of us who make a living from equipment that utilize diesel engines. I’ve seen how CDTOA fights for both the owner-operator as well as the larger business owners. Because of these actions and a variety of services and products this established association offers, I believe there is a natural fit for the pumpers as part of this organization.

      With this understanding, I met with the CDTOA Board and staff and they agreed to work with me to establish – the California Concrete Pumpers Alliance (CCPA) as a conference or subsidiary of the parent organization. CDTOA in fact, already has a separate subsidiary conference for heavy-haulers that is run by Greg Dineen. So this concept can work and benefit all those involved with construction equipment and vehicles. Our numbers can be combined with theirs, and this will add strength to both our efforts – it’s a win-win formula. As the saying goes, if you’re not At the table, you’re On the table!

      The time is now and the place is with the California Concrete Pumpers Alliance. As part of our kick-off and out-reach efforts you will be receiving a monthly magazine as well as access to a California Pumper’s website (by the end of August) to keep you informed. By working together we can offer a great deal, at a great savings. CDTOA will be offering our members discounts and access to all of their member’s services, from dental programs to drug testing program discounts. You have to get involved; it’s your way of life that is now subject to so many burdensome rules and regulations!

      I also want to note that we are not replacing or competing with the American Concrete Pumping Association. We live in California, a very different and unique place; our needs are immediate and special in California, from the CHP to CARB.

      The many rules, regulations and laws you are expected to comply with cannot be listed here, but the most immediate problem is the CARB diesel regulations, both on-and off-road. These rules require a newer engine for trailer pumps or for many of you, a brand new engine! These regulations are slated to be enforced on January 1, 2011. You are required to be registered now. If you have more than one diesel powered vehicle, you may need smoke testing and your engines checked for manufacturers tags. Each one of these requirements carries a minimal fine of $500/year for non-compliance.

      Boom pump owners with older trucks will have to install a diesel particulate filter at a cost estimated at $20,000 or more, and you may need two per truck. We have done a great deal of homework specific to concrete pumps and have some ideas to reduce costs and be compliant. The filter option only buys time, you will also be required to replace the engine shortly, and we can explain the issues for your pumping business. You must become informed and active in stopping this, or at least slowing it down.

      Also, I strongly recommend you visit, KILLCARB.org and read up on CARB’s fraud based PM2.5 science and Prop 23 specifically, which deals with green house gases.

      Other items to be aware of again, are smoke testing for trucks, CA numbers and BIT programs who need to comply and what is required. We can advise and help.

      What about washout and license issues? We have experts to advise you, the concrete pumper. How about drug testing and the record keeping, workman’s comp, other insurance and a long list of assistance and services from people familiar with what you do, pumping concrete.

      Are you getting agitated and emotional? Are you wondering what to do, besides that thing you used to be able to do, hide? Then join a motivated, involved and connected group.

      The California Concrete Pumpers Alliance will be your voice on your issues at all levels of State Government. We will inform you on the regulations and rules applicable to concrete pumping. We can save you money!

      It is no secret that both the state and local governments are broke from all the lavish wages, benefits and pensions that have been doled out. They are all now actively looking for money every where, collecting fines is one of their favorite, well funded programs, and businesses like ours are in their sites. Remember: “They can’t cite if you’re right”, so get right and save money.

      Plus, there are 10 to 20 or so other reasons to join? You will find them listed on the inside back page of this magazine. Many of these benefits will reduce your costs right now if you decide to participate.

      Pumping is your business; join us in combating those who would take it from you, as never before we must act together. One of my favorite sayings and one that I see CDTOA also using is: Strength in Numbers! Come join us. 

Respectfully, 

Hank de Carbonel

Director, California Concrete Pumpers Alliance

Very enlightening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Something everyone should read.Before to long it will be like that everywhere and not only in California.Thanks Todd.

Now I remember why I don't live in Calif anymore been gone since 1997 and don't miss it one bit, you guys will be riding Horse's real soon, we can still wash out on any area readdy mix truck drive off the streets  in the mud no one says a thing yet,someday it will come here but not soon enough.  GOOD LUCK

 Pay the $500 a year!

So Hank, did this help? I hope so your a great guy and I hope things work out well for you and Ca.

Arizona Concrete Pumpers Alliance, that will be the association that i start in an attempt not to keep up with smog regulations and all since that's not a factor here yet, but to keep companies together, all 50-75 concrete pump companies here in Arizona. We here in Arizona have a real super low pricing problem where we are pricing ourselves out of business, especially with rising fuel prices now that the news has said recently will hit a record $5.00 per gallon this year by early summer season.